Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis prepared in different forms and in different solvents useful for finished products

Propolis is a complex material of resinous consistence produced by bees which has a highly variable physical appearance, color and consistence depending on many factors such as geographic origin, types of vegetable sources, time of collection and season of the year. The variations in the chemical composition and consequently in the biological activity of propolis, are associated with its type and geographic origin. However, although propolis is a complex mixture, its biological activities are reported due to the presence of the flavonoids, phenolic acids and ethers mainly obtained from plant-derived substances. Propolis has been extensively used in folk medicine for many years, and there is substantial evidence to indicate that it has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterical, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Current applications of propolis include over-the-counter preparations for cold syndrome (upper respiratory tract infections, common cold, flu-like infection) as well as dermatological preparations useful in wound healing, treatment of boils, acne, herpes simplex and genitalis, and neurodermatitis, among other ailments